Sugar Bowl 2012: Previewing Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

In Brady Hoke's first season at Michigan he has done something Rich Rodriguez could not accomplish in three seasons, reach a BCS Bowl.

After a 10-2 season and a big win over rival Ohio State, the No. 13 Wolverines will get the SEC spot in the Sugar Bowl, since both SEC representatives are playing in the BCS National Championship.

Despite being blown out by Clemson in the ACC Championship, No. 11 Virginia Tech got an at-large bid as well. The Hokies (11-2) had to be a bit surprised to get the nod over Baylor, Boise State and Kansas State.

However, it appears that Virginia Tech's better brand and fan support won out over more deserving programs. The Hokies' history in BCS games is less than stellar as Beamer's teams are 1-4. The lone victory came in the 2009 Orange Bowl against Cincinnati.

The Hokies are 11-0 when not playing a team coached by Dabo Swinney, so Virginia Tech may get things going by Jan. 3.

Virginia Tech's offense is loaded with great athletes, including quarterback Logan Thomas and running back David Wilson. But the Hokies must be more consistent than they were against Clemson Saturday night.

Bud Foster's defense is stout, but it has given up some big numbers and scores against athletic offenses like Clemson and Miami.

That should be good news for Michigan's Denard Robinson, who could have a field day running and throwing against the Hokies in New Orleans. The Wolverines will also rely heavily on running back Fitzgerald Toussaint.

The Wolverines haven't been to a BCS bowl since the 2007 Rose Bowl, which probably feels like an eternity for a big-time program like Michigan. Interestingly, Michigan is 1-3 in BCS bowls.

This has to make Michigan State fans furious, as the Spartans beat their rival and made the Big Ten championship game. But the Wolverines get the better bowl game.

This will be the first meeting between these two programs.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Virginia Tech 28